Hau  Hibiscus tiliaceus L.

Family:  Malvaceae

Description:  Hau offers many forms in the landscape.  It can be pruned into a hedge, tree form, or trained as an arbor.  In the wild, this plant is a large sprawling shrub that often covers large areas in mesic valleys or coastal strands.  Thrives in the heat yet likes to have its feet wet.  Yellow to orange blossoms cover the canopy and only last a day as with most plants in the Hibiscus family.  Few pests will bother hau once established.  The wood can be used for canoe parts, and the young leaves are used for medicine.  This plant is vigorous and must be pruned or given room to spread.

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